AGA Newsletter

AGA Newsletter

Spring 2012 newsletter

ISSU E
1
S p ri n g 2012
Arkansas Geographica
Newsletter of the Arkansas Geographic Alliance
Inside this Issue
A Note From the Coordinator P.1 Strategic Planning Update P.2
Promoting Geographic Literacy in a Global Environment
Teaching Geography is Fundamental P.2 Books You Might Read P.2 State Geographic Bee P.3 In the News P.2 Geography Awareness Week P.3 NCSS and NCGE P.3 Geography: A Window on the World P.3 Upcoming Events P.4
"As the democratic nation that
elects representatives whose decisions affect not just America but the entire world, we Americans have an obligation to be well informed about our small and functionally shrinking planet." (de Blij, Why Geography Matters, p. x.)
A Note from the Alliance Coordinator
A goal of the Arkansas Geographic Alliance is to see that 80% of all high school seniors are geographically literate. In order to reach that goal, several crucial things must occur. First, geographic literacy must be defined. Second, one must be able to measure geographic literacy. Third, to measure geographic literacy an instrument must be developed. Fourth, the instrument must be delivered to graduating high school seniors. And fifth, a level of literacy must be determined based on the completion of the instrument. These five items, as vital as they to meeting the 80% goals, they are, perhaps, not the most important. Regional Geography and AP Human Geography. The school curriculum does not help students to become geographically literate. The Arkansas Geographic Alliance, therefore, is in the process of creating a climate and the capacity in the state that will eventually enable students to enroll in geography courses so that they can become geographically literate. Geographic literacy is vital to the future of Arkansas students and their ability to work in an interconnected, globalizing world. Students must know how our world works, how they are connected to other areas and people on the planet, and how to apply geographic knowledge Arkansas students don't have the luxury of enrolling in a series of geography courses to enable them to become geographically literate. Geography at the K-- 8 grades is one of four subjects integrated into social studies courses. In grades 9--12 there are no required geography courses. Some students do have access to electives such as World and skills to make important decisions. The Arkansas Geographic Alliance invites businesses, politicians, educators, parents, and students to join us as we create a geographically literate citizenry. Brooks Green
"Can our world and its transformations be better appreciated through a particular perspective?" Yes, the geographic perspective. (de Blij, Why Geography Matters, p. 4)
"Even today ... an American student might go from kindergarten through graduate school without ever taking a single course in
geography." (de Blij, Why Geography Matters, p. 13)
Update on Strategic Planning
The initial draft of the Alliance's Strategic Plan is nearing completion. It contains five Focus
Ask about the Alliance Education Workshop Model
If you want material for your classroom, contact the Alliance Coordinator at 501-450-5636 or send him an e-mail.
In the News Within recent days, we have learned that one of the largest refugee camps is in northeast Kenya as Somali people have fled from the internal turmoil that is occurring in their country.
Russian citizens have been protesting the possible return of Vladimir Putin as president of the Russian Federation. The world is watching events in North Korea to see how the new leader will direct that country. Greece may leave European Union and abandon the Euro as its currency.
Areas that will guide the Alliance through 2014. The areas of focus are: 1) conducting a thorough needs assessment; 2) building an organizational structure; 3) developing a method of communicating with key stakeholders; 4) partnering with
organizations with similar interests; and 5) planning high quality professional development events. Each of the five focus areas has associated goals. The goal associated with Focus Area 1 is to assess needs and perceptions of stakeholders. The goals associated with Focus Area 2 are to develop an organizational structure for the Alliance, create a financial model and fundraising plan, and incorporate appropriate technology into the Alliance's operation. The goal associated with Focus Area 3 is to communicate regularly with key stakeholders. The goals associated with Focus Area 4 are to develop partnerships with organizations who have similar interests and to develop professional development programs for teacher candidates, practicing teachers, and others. And, the goals associated with Focus Area 5 are to determine programs to continue in 2013 and 2014 and develop a plan to reform geography education in the state.
Teaching Geography is Fundamental For the last three years, the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act has been introduced on the floor of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House. The Act has been an attempt to force Congress to fund geography as it has done all of the other core subjects in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. Yet, after all of this time, Congress has failed to provide funding for geography! There is much uncertainty about NCLB and it seems that all of the attention has shifted to the Common Core Curriculum. The Alliance Coordinator will once again lobby the Arkansas Congressional delegation in April for funding for geography, but the Alliance is on top of the discussion in Arkansas about the Common Core Curriculum. The Alliance will disseminate information as it becomes available and as we work with Department of Education officials.
Books you might read
Harm de Blij's, Why Geography Matters, is an excellent book written by one of America's pre-eminent cultural geographers. Its chapters are a combination of information about geography, topics such as climate and civilization and terrorism, and regional examinations of China, Russia, Africa, and Europe. Another excellent book by de Blij is The Power of Place. This book
"Join the Alliance today to be part of a geography education
presents the notion that where one lives has a dramatic influence on one's life. For example, de
Turkey would like to join the European Union, but EU leaders reformation" have been opposed because Turkey, at least most of it, is not in Europe and it is essentially a Muslim country. There seems to be growing evidence that the earthquakes that occurred in Arkansas were associated with the deep storage facilities used by the gas companies. The fracking process itself probably has not contributed to the earthquakes. More autonomy continues to be given to Scotland. One might argue that it is well on the way to becoming independent and no longer part of the UK. Belgians, who have three official languages--French, Dutch, and German--are concerned that their new prime minister cannot speak Dutch very well.
Blij argues that one's place of
residence impacts one's language, religion, health, gender equality, and education. He also notes how different groups of people,-he calls them globals, locals, and mobals-have varying opportunities for success. De Blij also notes that one is more susceptible to environmental disasters in some places more than in others and that city dwellers have more opportunities than urban dwells.
Geography Awareness Week--2011
Geography Awareness Week is an annual public awareness program that encourages citizens, young and old, to think and learn about the interconnectedness of our world. This year's theme, The Adventure in Your Community, challenged students, friends, and families to learn more about their community. If you were not able to celebrate GAW in November, no problem! National Geographic encourages schools to celebrate and learn about geography all year long.
Americans must be geographically literate!
State Geographic Bee
Schools around the state have been holding school geography bees. The top 100 students from all across Arkansas will participate in the State Geographic Bee. The State Geographic Bee will be held on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas on Friday, March 30, 2012. While students are participating in the Bee, workshops will be held for teachers and parents who may accompany their students. The Arkansas Geographic Alliance will organize workshops that will provide valuable information to those who attend.
There are a variety of national conferences that social studies teachers should consider attending. One of them is the National Conference on Geographic Education. This conference is an exceptional venue for learning about geography and observing what K--12 teachers and university professors are doing in the classroom. This year the conference is in San Marcos, Texas, October 5-7.
Another excellent conference for social studies teachers is the conference sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies. This year the conference will be held in Seattle, Washington, November 16th--18th.
Teacher Candidate Conference--April 21, 2012
GEOGRAPHY: A Window on the World Workshop for P-12 Teachers and Teacher Candidates Learn How to Integrate Geography across the Curriculum! Email Dr. Nancy Gallavan at ngallavan@uca.edu NOW. Space is limited. For your $10.00 registration, you will receive Lessons, Resources, Lunch, a Voucher for $10.00 of Geography Materials, & much more!
Lake Hamilton Middle School celebrated by participating in geocaching and visiting Wild Wolf Park to take photographs. Students at Carl Stuart Middle School in Conway designed posters with the theme, What Makes Conway Great, and given to the Conway Chamber of Commerce to be displayed downtown. If you would like more information about celebrating geography or need resources or ideas to teach geography, contact Linda Gardner, linda.gardner @lh.k12.ar.us or Julie Hill, hillj@conwayschools.net
Upcoming Events
March 24--26, 2012: ASCD conference, Philadelphia, PA
March 29--April 1, 2012: National Science Teachers Association meeting, Indianapolis,
Professional Development
See inside this Newsletter for information about a conference for teachers, teacher candidates, and social studies methods professors in April 2012. Valuable content and material will be provided those who attend!
IN
March 30, 2012: State Geographic Bee, UCA, Conway, AR
April 17--21, 2012: Annual meeting of Alliance Coordinators, Washington, DC
April 21, 2012: Geography: A Window on the World, UCA, Conway, AR
October 5--7, 2012: National Conference on Geographic Education, San Marcos, TX
Arkansas Geographica
Issue 1 Spring 2012
201 Donaghey Avenue Conway, Arkansas 72035 501-450-5636 phone 501-852-2926 fax brooksg@arkansasgeographicalliance.com www.arkansasgeographicalliance.com